What right is violated when a nurse agrees to keep a patient's diagnosis secret from their family?

The situation described relates to the ethical and legal obligations healthcare providers have regarding patient information. When a nurse agrees to keep a patient's diagnosis secret from their family, it primarily infringes upon the patient's right to information about their condition. This right ensures that patients are informed about their health status so they can make knowledgeable decisions regarding their care, including discussions with family members who may support them throughout their treatment process.

In this context, patients often rely on family for support, which may involve sharing relevant information about their health. By withholding the diagnosis from the family, the nurse may prevent the family from adequately understanding the patient's situation, inhibiting their ability to provide emotional or logistical support.

While confidentiality is also a crucial aspect of patient rights, it pertains more to the privacy of the individual's medical records and information without the patient's consent. Therefore, in this scenario, the key right that is violated is the right to information about one's condition. Understanding this distinction is essential for recognizing the complexities of patient autonomy and the role of family in health care decisions.